KIRKUS REVIEW

Based on Yes, Chef (2012), a memoir
for adults, this young readers’ version offers insights into the life and food
of one of America’s top chefs.

During a tuberculosis epidemic in
1972 in Ethiopia, Samuelsson’s mother walked 75 miles with young Marcus on her
back to a hospital in Addis Ababa. She died there, but he and his sister
survived and were adopted by a Swedish couple. In clear and straightforward
prose, less adorned than his recipes, Samuelsson chronicles growing up in
Sweden, going to school, playing soccer, and working his way up the hierarchy
in various restaurants on his way to becoming a chef. This is not exactly a
linear “pursue your dream” story since Samuelsson originally had wanted to be a
professional soccer player but was too small. Soccer went off the table, and
food took its place. In adapting the adult memoir for young readers, the
authors have adopted the motivational tone of a coach before the big game:
“Step up to the challenge; don’t avoid it. Win or lose, take the shot.” But
many young people have seen Samuelsson on television’s Chopped and will
be eager to learn about the journey that got him there.

Now a world-renowned chef,
Samuelsson neatly serves up inspiration and food for thought for the many young
people interested in cooking. (Memoir. 12-16)

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